Vaginal Yeast infection (Candidiasis)
Testing and treatment near you (Manhattan, NYC)
Accurate and Confidential

Female vaginal swab

We recommend that a health care provider performs the test, but self-swabbing is also possible. A sample of vaginal and/or cervical fluid is collected by a cotton swab (the procedure is illustrated below).

The procedure may cause mild discomfort or minor spotting, which is rare.

Remember: Do not use vaginal creams or practice douching 24 hours before testing

Image source:
Chlamydia / N. Gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA - Unisex Collection | Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma. https://www.dlolab.com/chlamydia-n-gonorrhoeae-rna-tma-unisex-collection.

Office examination

The office examination includes vaginal swabbing, assessing the pH of the swab and performing microscopy.

Swab test results are usually back in 4 business days.

You will be advised to take either over-the-counter vaginal suppositories or oral prescription medication.

Treatment option depends on the frequency of infection:

Initial treatment

A single-dose of oral antifungal medication, Fluconazole (150 mg) will maintain its high concentration in vaginal secretions for 3 days.

Recurrent treatment

A recurrent vaginal yeast infection is defined as more than 4 episodes of candidiasis per year. A vaginal culture test for different Candida species needs to be performed to identify less common types of fungus.

A regimen of three doses of oral Fluconazole every 72 hours followed by a weekly dose of Fluconazole (150 mg) for 6 months is recommended.

Most yeast infections, especially those that are not recurrent, respond to treatment within 2 days. While on medication, there are no contraindications for sexual activity, unless you feel uncomfortable due to inflammation. Treatment for sexual partners is not necessary.

It is not recommended to treat sexual partners of females diagnosed with a yeast infection.

After-treatment testing is recommended only for individuals who continue to experience symptoms of a candida infection.

Occasional yeast infections (the overgrowth of Candida Albicans) can happen to any female for various reasons.

Some known risk factors that predispose a female to recurrent yeast infections:

• Diabetes, especially if sugar levels are not well-controlled.
• Use of antibiotics. At least 30% of females get yeast infection as a side effect of a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The latter kills the “good” microorganisms of the vagina and results in an imbalance of yeast and bacteria in vagina.
• Birth control pills with high estrogen levels.
• Weakened immune system (e.g., due to corticosteroid use, HIV, chemotherapy).

There is no evidence that vaginal yeast infections are caused by a lack of lactobacilli in vaginal secretions. Therefore, probiotic lactobacilli is not recommended.

Although there is a popular belief that ingestion and vaginal administration of yogurt decrease the risk of infection, there is no evidence based on multiple studies.

Some behavioral changes may lower your lower, such as avoiding panty liners, pantyhose, and lubricants. Drinking cranberry juice may be beneficial for some females, but this has not been supported by studies.

Oral contraceptive pills

There is a split in opinions among researchers about the connection between birth control pills (BCP) and vaginal yeast infection. Larger and newer studies demonstrate a weak connection.

Contraceptive devices

Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs), sponges and diaphragms has been associated with yeast infections. The connection is most likely due to the ability of the Candida (yeast infection fungi) species to stay attached to these devices, not the intrinsic property of these devices.

A yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) since it can affect virgin females, as Candida is a normal part of the vaginal flora.

However, this does not mean that yeast infections are not associated with sexual activity. Keep in mind:

• Increased sexual activity can increase the chances of a yeast infection.
• The number of sexual partners is not correlated with frequency of yeast infections.
• Females who have sex with females do not get yeast infections as often as females who have sex with males.

Testing can be performed in OB/GYN clinics, primary care offices or our specialized STD clinic.

Yes. Health insurance usually covers the doctor’s office visit, STD testing and treatment.

If you have a high deductible plan and want to know your exact contribution for the testing, call your insurance company and find out your contribution for the primary care office visit and yeast infection testing (ICD 73.88; CPT 87491 or 87591).

Without health insurance, the cost of the office visit is $84 cash (or $90 credit) plus $60 for the testing. All testing is performed in certified labs.

• Itching and soreness of the vulva (this is the most common symptom)
• Pain, redness, or irritation of the vaginal area
• Pain during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge (thick and white (like cottage cheese), or thin and watery )

Our walk-in clinic for STD testing and treatment is conveniently located on the east side of Midtown Manhattan near the Grand Central Terminal and the Main branch of the New York City public library.
Despite it being our only STD testing center, we offer health services to New Yorkers from all zip codes across all 5 NYC boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Our certified STD center offers testing services for vaginal yeast infection and other STDs (including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV (also rapid HIV testing), HPV (genital warts), mycoplasma, ureaplasma, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C), along with effective treatment and follow-up care.